Big Preview: Scunthorpe United vs Southend United

Southend travel to Scunthorpe United tomorrow afternoon hoping to put an end to a run which has seen Blues lose their last three matches in all competitions.

To do so, they’ll need to get a result at Glanford Park which has been far from a happy hunting ground for Blues as they have not won any of their 13 visits to the ground since it opened in 1988.

Scunthorpe’s recent form though may give Southend hope as The Iron have failed to win any of their last four, although they did end a run of three straight defeats with a 2-2 draw against MK Dons.

Graham Alexander’s side currently find themselves inside the play-off places in 5th, 11-points above Blues who could climb into the top 10 should they win away at Scunthorpe for the first time since 1983.

Southend will be without Ryan Leonard after he was sent off for two yellow cards in last weekend’s defeat to Bradford, meaning he has to serve a one-game ban.

Blues will also travel without fellow midfielder Michael Timlin as he’s been ruled out for between “4-6 weeks” with an ankle ligament injury which forced him off against the Bantams.

Anthony Wordsworth also limped off last Saturday but is expected to be fit, as is Ben Coker who came through the full 90 minutes on his return to first-team action last weekend.

Graham Alexander has some selection problems in midfield with Neal Bishop suspended, as well as Funso Ojo, Sam Mantom and Andrew Crofts all out through injury.

Those four join their captain Rory McArdle on the sidelines, whilst Lee Novak is hopeful of returning to training this week so may feature in some capacity.

Phil Brown, Southend United Manager:

“It’s one of them situations where the league is like that. Anybody can beat anybody.

“But Scunthorpe are up there on merit, the same as Bradford last week and then it’s Charlton and Shrewsbury so we’re coming up against some tough teams who have been consistent.

“That’s all I’m after in the second half of the season; a little bit of consistency and a little slice of lady luck.”

Graham Alexander, Scunthorpe United Manager:

“I think like a lot of clubs in this league you can’t really tell where they are going to finish up. They have pulled out some fantastic results and results that they are probably disappointed with.

“We know they have got very good players and a very experienced manager. They will be coming here determined to get a result. It will be a challenge for us, but it is another one that we can overcome.

“We just have to focus on what we can bring to the game. We have got to be ready for a fully motivated Southend coming here to get a result, so we have to make sure that we are at our best.”

Tickets will be on sale on the day of the game - cash only at the turnstile. Tickets increase in price on the day of the game to the below. Collections will be available from the collection window at the Main Ticket Office. Prices

Scunthorpe United tickets are now on sale

Tickets for Blues' game against Scunthorpe United on Saturday 23rd December are now on sale...

We have been sent an initial allocation of 250 tickets for the game at Glanford Park and they will come off sale at 3pm on Friday.

You can purchase online, from the ticket office in person or by calling 08444 770077.

Tickets will be on sale on the day of the game - cash only at the turnstile. Tickets increase in price on the day of the game to the below. Collections will be available from the collection window at the Main Ticket Office.

Ambulant disabled tickets are charged at the age relevant price with a free carer if receipt of the high rate DLA for care or mobility (available from the Main ticket office in person or on 08444 77 00 77 or email tickets@southend-united.co.uk).

Wheelchair tickets are available from Scunthorpe's Ticket Office on 01724 747670.